Senior Care

What is a Senior Cat?

There isn’t one specific age that classifies a cat as senior. Like people, some cats age faster than others. Generally speaking, however, older cats can be placed into one of three groups:

Mature or middle-aged: 7–10 years (44-56 years for humans)

Senior: 11–14 years (60-72 years for humans)

Geriatric: 15+ years (76+ years for humans)

You can increase your cat’s changes of living into his teens or early twenties by providing good care at home and regular veterinary care.

As your cat ages, be prepared to see physical changes. It’s important to discuss these changes with your veterinarian to determine what is “normal” aging and what may be a sign of illness. With regular check-ups, illnesses can be diagnosed early and age-related health conditions can be delayed or managed.

We all want to grow old with grace and dignity, and we want the same for our pets. Fortunately, expert understanding of cat health and advances in veterinary medicine mean cats can live longer, better lives than ever before. As your cat’s caregiver, there’s much you can do to keep your cat healthy and happy. We have additional tips for caring for your senior cat.